Medical malpractice can occur in various forms, but some of the most common types include:
Misdiagnosis or Delayed Diagnosis. This is when a healthcare provider fails to diagnose a medical condition correctly or delays the diagnosis, leading to worsened patient outcomes or unnecessary harm.
Surgical Errors. A mistake may occur during surgery, such as operating on the wrong body part, leaving surgical instruments or sponges inside the patient, or causing damage to surrounding tissues or organs.
Medication Errors. Administering the wrong medication, incorrect dosage, or failing to consider potential drug interactions, leading to adverse effects or worsening of the patient's condition.
Birth Injuries. Infants sustain these injuries during the birthing process due to medical negligence, such as oxygen deprivation leading to brain damage, improper use of forceps or vacuum extractors, or failure to perform a timely cesarean section.
Anesthesia Errors. Healthcare providers could be negligent by administering too much or too little anesthesia, monitoring the patient's vital signs during surgery, or recognizing and responding to anesthesia-related complications.
Failure to Obtain Informed Consent. Performing a medical procedure without obtaining the patient's informed consent or adequately informing them of the risks, benefits, and alternatives associated with the procedure is a form of medical neglect.
Failure to Follow Standard of Care. When a healthcare provider deviates from accepted standards of practice or fails to provide care that meets the level of skill and care expected of a reasonably competent practitioner in their field.
Hospital-Acquired Infections. Patients could get infections during their stay in a healthcare facility due to inadequate infection control measures or improper equipment sterilization.
Failure to Monitor. This is when a medical professional fails to monitor a patient's condition adequately, including vital signs, symptoms, or response to treatment, leading to a delay in detecting and addressing complications.
Failure to Refer or Consult. A healthcare provider could be negligent by neglecting to refer a patient to a specialist or consult with other healthcare professionals when necessary, resulting in a delay in diagnosis or appropriate treatment.
These are just a few examples of common types of medical malpractice. Each case is unique, and medical malpractice can take many different forms depending on the circumstances and the type of medical care involved. If you believe you've been a victim of medical malpractice, it's essential to consult with a qualified attorney to evaluate your case and explore your legal options.